Faculty & Staff

Jenni obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and completed her Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins in Early Intervention Special Education in 2009. Jenni joined The Diener School in 2009 and has held a variety of positions while at Diener including Elementary School teacher, Learning Skills specialist, and Director of the Lower School. She returned to the classroom in 2017 to work more directly with students and capitalize on her considerable skills as an educator. Jenni has been trained in The Character Education Virtues Project, Zones of Regulation, Social Thinking, Multi-sensory Math, Phono-Graphix, Read Naturally Fluency Program, and Orton-Gillingham.

Becky received her Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Law from American University in 2022. Before Diener, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at Georgetown Day School, primarily in the Elementary School division. Becky has a passion for working with children (and adults!) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Becky also completed a service year through Americorps City Year, where she worked at MLK Jr. Elementary School. There, she led both academic and behavioral small group interventions in her 5th-grade class. Becky is a classical flutist, and extremely musical. One of her favorite teaching memories was leading the student Drumline at MLK Jr. and introducing her students to music from around the world.

Cyd Igot joined The Diener School in the 2022–2023 school year as a Teacher Partner and has since transitioned into a Lead Teacher role. She holds a B.A. in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, with a major in Sociology and a minor in Women’s Studies. Cyd’s passion for working with children began through roles as a Kaplan tutor, an ESL teacher in Santiago, Chile, and a homeschool teacher for the Assisi Bridge School Co-op. She has also worked in mental health, supporting young people with persistent mental illness. Outside the classroom, Cyd is the founder of A Letter For You, a project sharing thousands of anonymous handwritten letters to uplift those going through hard times. She gave a TEDx Talk on the project in 2016 and published A Letter For You: A Collection of Handwritten Letters for Survivors in 2020. Cyd has also been involved in disaster relief efforts in the Philippines and remains committed to empowering others. In her free time, she enjoys salsa dancing, traveling, and finding ways to make a difference.

Kathy Koetz holds a Bachelor of Science in Adolescent English Education from Long Island University and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Lindenwood University. After graduation, she published a children’s book, Rosie’s Rescue Ranch, in 2019. While attending college in New York, Kathy gained valuable experience working at MercyFirst, a human and social service agency in the New York metropolitan area. She completed her student teaching at P256Q, a middle and high school program on the MercyFirst campus. She also volunteered to facilitate a therapeutic reading program for MercyFirst’s child psychologist. Kathy’s professional journey includes her current role as a middle school teacher at Diener School, where she began in the 2020-2021 school year, and her previous position teaching Special Education at The Lourie Center in Rockville, MD.

Kendra graduated from the University of Maryland with a double degree in Neuroscience and Child Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Leadership in Special Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University and is currently pursuing her second Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. After undergrad, she spent a few years in Maui, Hawaii, conducting marine biology research on humpback whales and working as a naturalist. Upon returning to her home state of Maryland, Kendra began pursuing her career in education. She started as a lead preschool teacher before transitioning into an assistant upper elementary teacher at Butler Montessori. For several years, she taught high school special education at Sheppard Pratt. Kendra also works part-time as a registered behavior technician, bringing years of ABA experience and a passion for working with all age groups. This is Kendra’s third year teaching at The Diener School, where she teaches Middle School Language Arts and the entire Middle School Social Studies program. She is thrilled to continue being part of the Diener community.

Michelle joined The Diener School team in the fall of 2022. Prior to this, she co-led the second-grade class at The Maddux School and has been pursuing additional coursework toward a second Master’s degree in Special Education. Michelle holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University. She is certified in the Handwriting Without Tears program as well as the Orton-Gillingham Reading and Writing Approach. With over 16 years of teaching experience, Michelle began her career in a nursery school setting before spending the past 14 years at The Maddux School. She has completed specialized training in The Maddux School’s Social Learning Curriculum and is recognized for her expertise in creative arts and curriculum integration.

Ms. Franny has been part of the Diener community since 2022. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education in Ohio and went on to receive her Master’s in Learning Disabilities from American University in Washington, DC, in 2020. Before joining Diener, she taught at an inclusive preschool. At Diener, she teaches Social Studies to elementary students and leads a small academic group. She is also known for supporting various classrooms throughout the day wherever an extra hand is needed. Ms. Franny is passionate about building strong relationships with students so they feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn and try new things. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her dog Gouda, being outdoors, and exploring new places. She also has extensive experience teaching swim lessons and helping children feel safe in the water, as well as providing both adaptive and non-adaptive ski instruction to children and adults.

Lucas received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2012 from Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He began his teaching career in 2016 for Montgomery County Public Schools at Loiederman Middle School working with English language learners. He slowly extended his role and began assisting within the Special Education program at Loiederman after a few months. Lucas is also an experienced soccer coach and has trained with multiple teams of various age groups in the Metropolitan area. He currently works with former professional DC United legend, Luciano Emilio (Luciano Emilio Soccer Club). Lucas has been a Teaching Partner at The Diener School since February 2023.

Dani earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Indiana University – Bloomington in 2019. Dani also completed a master’s degree program in Special Education-Autism Spectrum Disorder in December of 2023. She joined Diener in Fall 2019 as a Teaching Partner and is now a Lead Teacher. She has her teaching license in grades K-6 for general education and special education and is trained in the multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham phonics curriculum. She is excited to be returning to Diener for another great school year!

Emily earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Art from Wagner College and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Staten Island. Prior to joining the Diener School team, Emily completed field placements in New York at P.S. 57 and the Wagner College Early Childhood Center, private tutoring, and worked at a daycare where she did small group instruction with children with special needs. Emily’s background in the mental health field has given her great insight into childhood development and learning disorders, allowing her to readily recognize the unique needs of each child in the classroom and beyond. Emily is professionally certified to work with children with neurodevelopmental disorders. She has been a Teaching Partner at The Diener School since Fall 2024. Emily is excited to be returning to Diener for her second school year.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from McDaniel College and holds two Master of Science Degrees in Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and in Special Education from McDaniel College. Amanda has spent many years in the classroom working with students in various capacities including, most recently, at the Auburn School where she taught Middle School math and science. She has also provided one-on-one services to students in a school and clinic setting prior to the start of her teaching career. Amanda has training in executive functioning skills, multisensory math, the Social Thinking Curriculum, and Positive Behavior Intervention Support. She is looking forward to getting to teach science in the new science lab this year!

Jennifer has a Master of Science in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dickinson College. Prior to working at Diener, Jennifer worked for 5 years at Ivymount School and 16 years at The Maddux School. She has worked with Pre-K through 2nd-grade students and enjoys supporting students, families, and teachers wherever most needed. Jennifer began at the Diener School in Fall 2022.

Natalie Vernigor joined the Diener team during the 2024-2025 school year. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and plans on pursuing a graduate degree. She discovered her passion for teaching while working with Identity, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students with both academic and social skill challenges. Prior to this, Natalie gained valuable experience as a paraeducator at Mill Creek Towne Elementary with Montgomery County Public Schools. Natalie is super excited for the upcoming school year and looks forward to contributing to the Diener community!

Sabrina received her Bachelor of Science degree in 2017 from Frostburg State University with a major in Ethnobotany and minors in Anthropology and Forestry. She is currently finishing a master’s degree in teaching for Special Education Early Childhood from Liberty University, with plans to graduate in August 2025. After graduating undergrad, Sabrina transitioned to environmental education through Delaware State Parks and the Howard County Nature Conservancy. That experience allowed Sabrina to identify her true passion, working with kids, so she decided to pursue the education field. Sabrina worked with preschoolers for 5 years before transitioning to elementary special education for the past 2 years. She is certified in CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, FBA Functional Behavior Assessment & BIPs Behavior Intervention Plans, and Positive Behavior Interventions, Strategies, & Supports. She looks forward to returning to the Diener team for another year!

Eva graduated from American University in 2024 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her final semester, she interned at The Diener School, where she gained invaluable experience in creating multisensory lessons and supporting each student’s needs. She is pursuing her master’s degree in special education at American University. Eva enjoys bringing energy and positivity to the learning environment and is eagerly anticipating a fantastic year ahead at The Diener School!

Bernina is a professional Associate Teacher with over fifteen years of experience working in early childhood settings, including nine at The Maddux School. She has extensive experience tutoring and coaching vulnerable children and adults and has a particular passion for guiding the development of play and social skills in young children. Bernina holds a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from George Washington University and earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a concentration in special education, education, and psychology from Liberty University.

Ryan received her BA in Art History from Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and her MSEd in Early Childhood General & Special Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York, NY. Ryan has been a classroom teacher since 2006 and a private tutor since 2020. She has formal training in Orton-Gillingham, Project Zero, and yoga and mindfulness for children. Ryan joined Diener in spring of 2025 and is thrilled to be part of the community!

Spencer holds graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Special Education from Texas State University. He began his career as a paraprofessional, next becoming a Lead Resource/Inclusion Teacher—first at the elementary level, then in middle school. He returned to his hometown of Montgomery County last year. Spencer is passionate about Differentiated Instruction and creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

Amber joined Diener for the 2025-2026 school year. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Following her undergraduate studies, she was accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellows program, where she served as a special education teacher for three years, working in NYC public schools in the Bronx. During this program, Amber earned her Master’s degree in Teaching Adolescents with Disabilities from St. John’s University. In 2019, she returned to the DC area, where she served as a special education teacher and AP English Literature teacher at KIPP DC and DCPS. In addition to teaching, she has also served as a special education coordinator and transition coordinator for secondary students with disabilities. She has also mentored aspiring teachers through Teach for America. Amber loves watching her students grow into confident learners ready to lead choice-filled lives each school year.

Elizabeth (Liz) Kent was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland. She grew up horseback riding, hiking, and has recently, over the past few years, picked up running. Graduated from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, in 2010 with a dual bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and Sociology, and minored in Psychology. Shortly after graduating, Elizabeth got certified as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor in Temple, New Hampshire. Elizabeth became a preschool teacher for both private schools and the GAO Child Development Center. After working in preschools, Elizabeth noticed that some children were not meeting their milestones and developmental progress, which inspired her to seek further training. In 2021, Elizabeth became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and began graduate studies at George Mason University in January 2022. She earned her graduate diploma and a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2023. Currently, she is accruing supervised hours toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and works as a Teaching Partner at The Diener School.

Conor began teaching at The Diener School in 2025. In 2019, Conor earned his Master’s of Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. Prior to coming to Diener, Conor worked as a History and Humanities teacher at Dearborn Academy, an independent special education school serving students with OCD, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. His combined educational background has led Conor to focus on inclusive, creative, and flexible approaches to learning centered on the whole child. Conor recently moved with his family to the DMV from the Boston area. He enjoys hiking, museums, and taking his kids to fun outdoor activities.

Katie received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology Based Human Relations from Connecticut College, and she holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching Reading and a Multiple Subjects teaching credential from the University of San Francisco. She has worked in both public and private schools in San Francisco, Charlottesville, and New York City. After taking some time off to stay home with her three sons, she returned to work part-time at Positive Development, where she worked one-on-one with children to help them develop communication, social, and daily living skills.

Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, along with minors in Biology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies, from Frostburg State University. During her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship with the YMCA Teen Parent Program, supporting early childhood development. After graduation, Hannah worked as a Registered Behavior Technician at Ally Behavior Centers and later as a Special Education Paraeducator with Montgomery County Public Schools. While working in the school system, she earned her Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Purdue University Global. Her background in both clinical and classroom settings has shaped her passion for supporting neurodiverse learners. Hannah is eager to get to know her students and to contribute to the Diener community.